Rocket (Propeller), U21144, aground, 3 Nov 1877

Capt. Ed. Doville, of the barge ROCKET, ashore at Buffalo, was in this city Monday. He says the vessel is scuttled and lies in an easy position. He procured the services of the tug BRADY, with pump and other wrecking apparatus on board, and will leave as soon as the weather will permit. It is thought the ROCKET can be got off without much trouble, and has sustained little damage. Captain Doville is not very complimentary in his expressions in regard to the officers and men at the United States life-saving station at Buffalo. They paid no attention to his signals of distress, although they picked up two young men who had been capsized near him. In this connection the Buffalo Courier publishes a card from Captain Dobbins, detailing the action of the life-boat crew on this occasion. He says he did not think the ROCKET was in danger, and learning that the brig COHEN was in distress at Bay View, the life boat went to her assistance, but on arriving there found the vessel in close proximity to the shore and the crew in comfortable quarters. After finding that their services were not needed the boat was brought back to Buffalo. Everything was done that could be by the life boat and its crew, both on the water and from the shore. Captain Golden, of the COHEN, was not, however, very well pleased with the action of the life-boat crew, and closes an interview with the Courier reporter as follows" "What the Government wants to employ such a crowd as they are, for I cannot imagine, unless it is to disgrace Buffalo. They want men in charge of this station and not a lot of old fogies."
      Cleveland Herald
      November 6, 1877

     
      Buffalo Courier, 12th: The tug BRADY, of Cleveland, has been stripping the barge ROCKET, abandoned, which drifted on to the beach south of the lighthouse pier, and was scuttled during the gale of week before last. The old craft was insured and valued at $5,000 or $6,000. She was owned by Messrs. Bradley & Deville, of Cleveland.
      Cleveland Herald
      November 13, 1877


      The tug BRADY came in yesterday afternoon, having on board all the outfit in anchors, chains, furniture, etc., that could be saved from the barge ROCKET, which went ashore a few days ago near the lighthouse at Buffalo Harbor. The vessel has been abandoned.
      Cleveland Herald
      November 14, 1877


Mr. Joseph Sloan has bought the old barge ROCKET, ashore South of the stone lighthouse. It is his intention to commence operations towards her release on Monday, and if successful, he will convert her into a lumber barge during the winter.
      Buffalo Commercial Advertiser
      November 29, 1879 3-5


      SAVED AT THE LIFE-STATION.
      William J. Welgus, while bathing yesterday noon, in the lake, near the wreck of the old propeller ROCKET, became exhausted and sank. His companions succeeded in getting him in the boat and took him to the Life Saving Station, adjacent, where he was resuscitated by Captain Williams, although for some little time unconscious.
      Buffalo Daily Republic
      Friday, July 25, 1885


Propeller ROCKET. U. S. No. 21144. Of 611 tons gross. Built Cleveland, Ohio, 1857. First Home port, Buffalo, N.Y. Disposition: - Rig changed to barge October 2, 1877
      Merchant Steam Vessels of the U. S. A.
      Lytle - Holdcamper List, 1790 to 1868